This was my 5th visit to this salon, and unfortunately, it will be my last. I've had positive…read moreexperiences here in the past, which makes this one even more disappointing.
I arrived at 7:45 AM (Google lists opening time as 7:30 AM on Sundays). There was only one client in a chair, but already 7 people ahead of me, and only one braider working. Additional staff didn't begin arriving until after 8:00 AM, and even then, it was a slow trickle.
At 8:05 AM, a staff member began going through the sign-in book to confirm names and styles. I was finally seated at 8:10 AM, but when I explained the style I wanted, the braider immediately said it could not be completed by 12 PM--despite me texting the owner the day before to confirm timing. Trying to adjust, I asked for a simple braid-down so I could install crochet myself and even showed a reference video. This request was met with confusion, and after a brief discussion between staff, I was quoted $140--for braiding my natural hair only, with no extensions. At that point, I was asked to get out of the chair.
By 8:17 AM, another staff member began discussing options with me while on the phone (I believe with the owner). I asked what styles could realistically be completed by 12 PM. Cornrows were suggested, which I declined since I originally came in for human hair boho knotless braids. After quickly researching alternatives, I asked for large twists with boho pieces. I was told that would work and was moved again to another chair at 8:37 AM.
At 8:50 AM, pricing was confirmed: $200 for large twists. This didn't seem consistent, especially since I had been quoted $250 directly by the owner for all human hair boho knotless braids--which are significantly more labor-intensive. Then I was told it would be an additional $20 to incorporate the color hair I brought, bringing the total to $220. At this point, I had already been there over an hour and no work had started.
The braider didn't begin until almost 9:40 AM, partly due to confusion about whether I wanted highlights or mixed colors. Despite explaining multiple times that I wanted highlights, the hair ended up being fully mixed because of the misunderstanding.
By 11:02 AM, I checked my progress using my phone camera and realized I was nowhere near done. When I asked how much longer it would take, I was told, "we'll be done soon." I reiterated that I needed to leave by 12 PM. I did not leave until 2:28 PM... over two hours past the time I clearly communicated.
Because of this delay, I missed an event I was supposed to attend at 1:30 PM across town. Had I known from the start that the style couldn't be completed on time, I would have made a different decision... or simply gotten the style I originally wanted. The lack of transparency around timing was extremely frustrating.
What added to the frustration was seeing another client that arrived after me, leave about 30 minutes before me with small knotless braids, which should typically take longer than large twists! That inconsistency in service order was hard to understand.
Overall concerns:
* Pricing inconsistency: $140 for a basic braid-down (no added hair), $220 for large twists with multiple colors, and $250 for small boho knotless does not feel aligned with the level of effort for each style.
* Communication barriers: Most braiders spoke only French, and there was only one translator (Yasmine) for the entire shop. This caused delays and confusion, especially when trying to explain specific details like highlights vs. color mixing.
* Decline in service quality: During my last two visits prior to this one, I noticed pushback when asking for a wash (now an extra charge), whereas earlier visits included it without issue.
* Cleanliness concerns: The shop was not cleaned prior to opening... hair was all over the floors, and there were old, damp dirty towels on chairs throughout the shop. I also observed staff rinsing their hands and utensils with water only (no soap) after eating, using the hair-washing sink then going right back to braiding hair.
I don't write this lightly, especially as someone who has supported this business multiple times and wants to see my African sisters win. But based on this experience, while I do like the quality of work from the braiders at the shop, I left extremely disappointed. I am only leaving two stars for the quality of work and PREVIOUS experiences.